On August 1st, Google announced an update to its Board Core Algorithm.

“Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year. As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains. There’s nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it’s that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded. There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages.”

– Google Search Liason


If, as a business owner, you are asking what this means for you, you are not alone. Many SEO experts would love to know the same thing.
As a disclaimer, Google updates its search algorithm hundreds of times a year, and sometimes more than once in a single day. Updates are not that uncommon. However, core updates are a different matter altogether. Most of these types of changes are meant to fundamentally change how Google search works.

To bring you up to speed on how Google works, their “secret sauce” that makes their search engine work is made up of somewhere between 200-500 ranking factors. Google uses these factors to determine which sites rank higher or lower in their search engine, and which sites get more or less traffic. When Google releases a core update like this one, they are most likely changing the importance of some factors, or possibly even adding or removing others. What are these factors? Which are more important than others? Google won’t say, beyond its generic “focus on building great content”.

So if you are a business owner, what can you do? Our advice to our clients is the same as it’s always been. Continue to keep your site architecture clean and SEO friendly (all Emu sites are), and continue to update your site frequently with engaging and relevant content that your visitors will appreciate. Focus on user intent, and follow the guidelines that Google puts out.
Yes, we know, it’s not groundbreaking advice. But the best advice seldom is.